Early Learning and Teacher Education

Designed for students interested in the challenging field of working with children in a variety of areas such as teachers, or as classroom assistants in early childhood, elementary, and secondary education, and other opportunities. Emphasis is placed on active student involvement. Coursework includes observation, participation, and practical experience. A program option is offered in special education. Degree and certificate programs are available for students entering college for the first time or seeking a second career.

Associate in Applied Science T DegreeEarly Childhood Education

Brief Description

The AAS-T combines technical courses required for job preparation and college-level general
education courses. These degrees are designed for the dual purpose of immediate employment and
preparation for the junior year in a Washington state bachelor of applied science (BAS) degree
program. The AAS-T degree generally will not be accepted in transfer-in preparation for bachelor of
arts or bachelor of science degrees although the general education component of the degree will be
accepted in transfer.

Associate in Arts DegreeEarly Childhood Education

Brief Description

The Associate in Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education is designed to meet the Washington State Career Lattice guidelines for people interested in becoming lead teachers, program supervisors, program directors or family support specialists in early childhood settings, caring for and educating young children. Emphasis is placed on active student involvement, observation, participation, and practical experience. Classes help adults increase their understanding of the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of children and to apply developmentally appropriate guidance and curriculum methods to meet the individual and group needs of children and their families. Students also complete general education requirements. Credits earned may be applied to the 90 credit AAS-T Early Childhood Education Transfer Degree.

Learning Outcomes

Degree recipients should possess the skills and abilities described below:

Promote child development and learning by using their understanding of young children's characteristics and needs to create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for children of all abilities.

Build and value diverse family and community relationships and support by demonstrating their understanding of the importance and complex characteristics of children's families and communities.

Observe, document and assess young children and use systematic observations, documentation, and other effective assessment strategies in a responsible way, in partnership with families and other professionals, to positively influence children's development.

Connect with children and families by knowing, understanding, and using positive relationships and supportive interactions as the foundation for their work with young children.

Use developmentally effective approaches by knowing, understanding, and using a wide array of approaches, strategies, and tools to positively influence children's development and learning.

Utilize content knowledge in early education by applying the essential concepts, inquiry tools, and academic subjects; and use resources to deepen their understanding.

Design, implement, and evaluate relevant, challenging, and responsive curriculum that promotes comprehensive developmental and learning outcomes for young children of all cultures.

Identify, explain, and apply appropriate guidance techniques and theories as an important classroom management tool.

Identify, explain, and apply nutrition, health and safety practices and procedures appropriate for use when teaching young children.

Write clearly and effectively for varied audiences and purposes.

Use, analyze and draw inferences from numerical and symbolic modes of communication.

Graduates will be engaged as members of the Early Childhood profession and use ethical guidelines and other professional standards related to early childhood practice.

Certificate of AchievementEarly Childhood Education State Certificate

Brief Description

The Early Childhood Education State Certificate is designed to meet the Washington State Career Lattice guidelines for people interested in becoming teacher assistants in early childhood, early elementary, special education or other settings caring for and educating young children. Emphasis is placed on active student involvement, observation, participation, and practical experience. Classes help adults increase their understanding of the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of children and to apply developmentally appropriate guidance and curriculum methods to meet the individual and group needs of children and their families. Credits earned may be applied to the 90 credit Associate in Arts Degree Early Childhood Education Degree.

Learning Outcomes

Certificate recipients should possess the skills and abilities described below:

Build and value diverse family and community relationships and support by demonstrating their understanding of the importance and complex characteristics of children's families and communities.

Observe, document and assess young children and use systematic observations, documentation, and other effective assessment strategies in a responsible way, in partnership with families and other professionals, to positively influence children's development.

Connect with children and families by knowing, understanding, and using positive relationships and supportive interactions as the foundation for their work with young children.

Use developmentally effective approaches by knowing, understanding, and using a wide array of approaches, strategies, and tools to positively influence children's development and learning.

Utilize content knowledge in early education by applying the essential concepts, inquiry tools, and academic subjects; and use resources to deepen their understanding.

Identify, explain, and apply appropriate guidance techniques and theories as an important classroom management tool.

Identify, explain, and apply nutrition, health and safety practices and procedures appropriate for use when teaching young children.

Write clearly and effectively for varied audiences and purposes.

Use, analyze and draw inferences from numerical and symbolic modes of communication.

Be engaged as members of the Early Childhood profession and use ethical guidelines and other professional standards related to early childhood practice.

Nested Certificates

Early Childhood Education Short Certificate of Specialization—General Early Childhood Education [Certificate of Accomplishment]

Certificate of AccomplishmentShort State Certificate of Specialization—
General (Early Childhood Education)

Brief Description

The Short State Certificate of Specialization—General (Early Childhood Education)is designed to meet the Washington State Career Lattice guidelines for people
in-retested in becoming teacher assistants in early childhood, early elementary, special education or other settings caring for and educating young children.
Emphasis is placed on active student involvement, observation, participation, and practical experience. Classes help adults increase their understanding of the
physical, inlet-effectual, emotional and social development of children and to apply developmentally appropriate guidance and curriculum methods to meet
the individual and group needs of children and their families. Credits earned may be applied to the 47 credit State Early Childhood Education Certificate and the
90 credit Associate in Arts Degree Early Childhood Education and AAS-T Early Childhood Education Transfer Degree.

Learning Outcomes

Certificate recipients should possess the skills and abilities described below:

Observe, document and assess young children and use systematic observations, documentation, and other effective assessment strategies in a responsible way, in partnership with families and other professionals, to positively influence children's development.

Connect with children and families by knowing, understanding, and using positive relationships and supportive interactions as the foundation for their work with young children.

Identify, explain, and apply appropriate guidance techniques and theories as an important classroom management tool.

Identify, explain, and apply nutrition, health and safety practices and procedures appropriate for use when teaching young children.

Be engaged as members of the Early Childhood profession and use ethical guidelines and other professional standards related to early childhood practice

Certificate of AccomplishmentShort State Certificate of Specialization-Infants and Toddlers

Brief Description

The Short State Certificate of Specialization-Infants and Toddlers is designed to meet the Washington State Career Lattice guidelines for people interested in
caring for and educating young children from birth to age 3 in a variety of child care settings. Emphasis is placed on active student involvement, observation,
participation, and practical experience. Classes help adults increase their understanding of the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of
children and to apply developmentally appropriate guidance and curriculum methods to meet the individual and group needs of children and their families.
Credits earned may be applied to the 47 credit Early Childhood Education State Certificate and the Associate in Arts Degree Early Childhood Education and AAS- T Early Childhood Education Transfer Degree.

Learning Outcomes

Certificate recipients should possess the skills and abilities described below:

Observe, document and assess young children and use systematic observations, documentation, and other effective assessment strategies in a responsible way, in partnership with families and other professionals, to positively influence children's development.

Connect with children and families by knowing, understanding, and using positive relationships and supportive interactions as the foundation for their work with young children.

Use developmentally effective approaches by knowing, understanding, and using a wide array of approaches, strategies, and tools to positively influence children's development and learning.

Identify, explain, and apply appropriate guidance techniques and theories as an important classroom management tool.

Identify, explain, and apply nutrition, health and safety practices and procedures appropriate for use when teaching young children.

Be engaged as members of the Early Childhood profession and use ethical guidelines and other professional standards related to early childhood practice.

Brief Description

The Early Childhood Education Initial Certificate is designed to meet the Washington State Career Lattice guidelines for teacher assistants in early childhood, early elementary, special education or other settings caring for and educating young children. Classes help adults increase their understanding of the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of children and to apply developmentally appropriate guidance and curriculum methods to meet the individual and group needs of children and their families. Emphasis is placed on active student involvement, observation, participation, and practical experience. Credits earned may be pa-plied to the 20 credit Certificates of Specialization, 47 credit Early Childhood Education State Certificate and the 90 credit Associate in Arts Degree Early Childhood Education and AAS-T Early Childhood Education Transfer Degree.

Learning Outcomes

Certificate recipients should possess the skills and abilities described below:

Connect with children and families by knowing, understanding, and using positive relationships and supportive interactions as the foundation for their work with young children.

Identify, explain, and apply appropriate guidance techniques and theories as an important classroom management tool.

Identify, explain, and apply nutrition, health and safety practices and procedures appropriate for use when teaching young children.

Be engaged as members of the Early Childhood profession and use ethical guidelines and other professional standards related to early childhood practice.

Requirements

Certificate of CompletioneLearning for Educators

Notice: This program has been discontinued in the 2014-2015 Academic Year

Brief Description

eLearning for Educators offers professional development for new and
experienced K-12 and college faculty and administrators. Courses prepare
educators to select and use emerging technology tools to develop effective
instructional strategies that support student-centered, contemporary
learning environments. Coursework integrates pedagogically informed
instructional design with hands-on skill building to facilitate learning in
face-to-face, blended and fully Online courses that are rich in technology.

Learning Outcomes

Certificate recipients should possess the skills and abilities described below:

Assess, select and utilize current and emerging technology tools and resources to develop and facilitate effective student-centered, contemporary learning environments that support learning objectives for students with diverse backgrounds and learning styles;

Demonstrate fluency with current research and practice in teaching and learning in the eLearning environment;

Model, teach and promote digital citizenship and responsible behavior in safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology.

Completion Worksheet

Requirements

Course No.

Course Name

Credit Hrs.

EDUC 230

eLearning Tools

3

EDUC 231

eLearning Course Design

3

EDUC 232

eLearning Course Development

3

EDUC 281/2/3/4

Electives, Special Topics

3

Total

12

Professional or technical program offerings and course requirements listed in this website may be altered by the college to reflect the needs of industry, student interests and availability of resources.